Masker goes from numbers to nails

Wanting to try something different after more than 15 years in banking, Maggie Masker of Greenfield turned to one of her favorite pastimes for a new venture: becoming a nail artist.

Masker toured a nail school she liked and quickly enrolled in its next session, which began last October. She gave her two weeks’ notice, completed the fast-paced coursework and set her sights on opening her own salon.

That goal became reality about a month ago when Masker opened Salt and Light Nail Studio at 178 Public Square in Greenfield.

Alongside her husband, Jared, their children, family and friends — as well as representatives from the city of Greenfield and Greenfield Chamber Main Street and Development — Salt and Light hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house last Wednesday morning.

“I’ve done nails my whole life — my own, my family’s, my friends’. I watched videos, but then I got more into it the last couple of years,” Masker said. “I wanted to do something more creative than banking.”

Salt and Light, located in the building formerly home to NV Nutrition, offers pedicures with two chairs and services ranging from gel manicures to acrylics, builder gel and Gel-X. A full list of services is available on the studio’s Facebook page.

“When clients come in, I can break it down for them and recommend what I think would be best for their nails,” Masker said.

Ultimately, Masker hopes her studio is a place where people can relax while taking care of themselves. She struggled to find a name that felt both meaningful and memorable until she heard a Scripture passage at church about Christians being called to be salt and light.

“Hopefully it puts a little salt and light into someone’s day. People can come here and feel comfortable,” Masker said.

Masker aims to provide a local option so residents don’t have to travel out of town.

“If they need something last-minute, I’m right here — stay in town, stay local,” she said. “Sometimes it’s hard to get to the city, and I want to offer things locally.

“I’m super thankful for the community being so supportive. I was nervous, and they’ve really shown up and made me feel comfortable and supported,” Masker added. “Without them, I couldn’t do it.”

The Maskers have lived in Greenfield since 2013. Jared is employed by MidAmerican Energy and serves on the Greenfield Volunteer Fire Department. Their two children are Maddax and Jay.